Vancouver Weekender: September 13 through 15, 2013

If you haven’t already done so, this weekend marks your last chance to check out this year’s Vancouver Fringe Festival offerings.  So, Friday night we think you ought to ditch your usual watering hole and nab tickets to one (or more) of the remaining performances that have taken the city stages by storm. 

With more than 30,000 people having attended this year’s festival, it’s safe to say Fringe is a sure bet. Our tip: don’t miss the musical prowess of Dominique Fricot and stick around for DJ Party Martyr at the Fringe after party. 

Always on the lookout for random events that might pique the eclectic interests of young professionals, this weekend marks the return of the 6th Annual Accordion Festival (taking place until Sunday) at The Russian Hall in Strathcona. Aptly named the Accordion Noir Festival, expect random (and raucously fun) parties, a Harvest Dinner and a play-off involving dueling accordion-playing teams. We know you wanna see this for yourself. Find more details here

Saturday, make your way to Granville Island and start your day by exploring (and stocking up) at the market. The latest cropping of seasonal offerings have hit the market in full force – translating to unique culinary finds for you. Work up an appetite and head over to one of our favourite spots for a late brunch bite: Edible Canada Bistro. Prior to departure, do a taste test at the Granville Island Brewery where you can purchase your freshly brewed suds to go. 

Also taking place Saturday is the Color Run (at the PNE). If you’ve got a hankering to get slightly dirty while having a blast, this is the charitable 5KM run for you. Dubbed ‘the Happiest 5K on the Planet,’ the Color Run will see thousands of participants cruise along a course – basically getting cloaked in paint while celebrating healthiness, happiness and individuality. Sounds like a great place to unleash your inner hippie. Do it.

Sunday, why not make it an early (and athletic) start to your day by heading over to Stanley Park for the annual Terry Fox Run? You don’t have to pay to partake in the 10KM or 5KM runs and it’s for a worthy cause. As added incentive to participate is a BC blueberry pancake breakfast (by donation) set to take place post-race.

If you’re feeling up to it, make your way over to check out the Autumn Shift Festival on Main Street for a bit. Celebrating the change in seasons, Autumn Shift shines a spotlight on this trendy Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood. There will be a BBQ cook-off, fashion show, demos, shopping, a gardening booth and more to keep your mind occupied.   

Also taking place this Sunday is the Vancouver Tweed Ride, a fun, charitable ride that makes its way through the heart of downtown Vancouver and is all about, you guessed it, channeling your inner Brit. There will be beverages of sorts along the route, you’ll get to pedal around town clad in your best plaid, and there’s an after party. Need more convincing? Register here.

Wind things down post-ride and keep the British zen alive by paying a visit to the West End’s own The Three Brits pub for a few extra pints. It gets our Notable vote for central location, proximity to English Bay and great people watching.

Top photo courtesy Granville Island Brewery